QR means Quick Response
QR codes were invented by Toyota subsidiary Denso Wave in Japan in 1994, and were originally used for tracking vehicle parts in auto factories. Denso Wave trademarked the term QR code and owns the patent rights, but does not exercise those rights, which makes the technology freely available for creation, distribution and use.
QR codes have been widely adopted for both marketing and for providing information.
How do QR codes work?
Today's cell phones can read QR codes directly using the phone's camera. QR reader apps are also available to download.
A code can be reproduced on most any surface. Most QR codes are black and white but they can be in color and be branded. Make sure there is sufficient contrast with the background. The size is also important. If the code is too small, it may not work. Always test your QR code to make sure it can be read.
A positive is that the printed substrate can be damaged and the QR code can often still be read, even with up to 30% of the QR pattern missing or degraded. The quality of the phone, camera, lighting and steadiness of hand also affect the ability to correctly read a QR code.
Examples of QR
A QR code is usually a link/shortcut to a URL. They can also be used to add contact information to a person's phone or add a calendar event.
Here are some ways for QR code can be used:
House/Building for sale/lease sign—launches a video tour of the building’s inside
Products—scan the code to get instructions
Concerts—guests scan a code when they exit to tweet about the show
Books—scan the code to hear about the author
Clothes—scan the code to meet the designer
Food wraps—scan the code to see nutrition value or a “how-to” video of a chef
Installation of a product—scan the code to see a video showing how to install
Movie poster—scan the code and see a video of trailer
Musicians—scan the code to hear an audio of them performing
Children’s Book—scan the code to make learning fun
Recipe Book—scan the code to see video on how to make the dish
Novel—add codes for stories about characters
Museums—scan the code for audio for a piece of artwork
Travel brochure—scan the code to see a video of the place
Games—scan the code to launch a game
Grocery shopping—scan the code to see recipe, or video of chef preparing dish
Uniforms on employees—scan the code to find out their experience
Shelf Talkers—scan the code for recipes for an item
Donations—scan the code to make a donation
Wine bottles—scan the code to find out about the winery, vintage or production information
Political campaigns—scan the code to volunteer, donate or hear the candidate talk about an issue
Tweeting—scan the code to tweet about us
Contact information—scan the code to phone us or email us
Speakers—scan the code to find their bio
Concerts—scan the code to find out more about the performer
Wedding—scan the code to see a video of the bride and groom thanking everyone
Share button on landing page—opens email to send
Twitter button—goes to their Twitter login
Share your contact information
Contest—link to a game with free prizes (Subway)
Facebook—scan to Like us
Tickets—scan the code for admittance
Material Data Sheets—scan the code to get product information
Equipment—scan the code and get a link to maintenance log, troubleshooting information or training videos
Wedding/Party invites—scan the code to RSVP
Airlines—scan for passenger check in
In store point of sale—scan and get extended product information
Lettuce—scan for favorite salad recipe
Magazine—scan to share article
Plant tags—scan for growing tips on each plant variation (too much to fit on a tiny tag)
Yearbook—scan to see a video clip for a game or to broaden content and coverage
Band—scan to play a video or show an event calendar
Church—scan to play choir video or sermon
Sports players—scan to find out more about them
Advertising on the street—scan to find out more
Bills—scan to pay bill
Print advertising—scan to make it interactive and measure effectiveness
Business card—scan to find out more and see a video on testimonials
Botanical Garden—scan to find out more about plants
Education—use QR codes to do a Treasure Hunt in the classroom
Resumes—scan to see a video of applicant
Newspapers—scan to find about more about article or author
TV—scan to find out more about characters
Resort brochures—scan to see video of resort
Catalogue—scan the code to place an order with pre filled order information
QR codes on garments that take you to Twitter
Trains—scan to get schedule
Appliances—scan for operating instructions
Historical site markers
Restaurant—menus and specials
CD/DVD—scan for bonus content
Airport signage—alert passenger to flight status
College campus—get list of events
Google map—interactive content, self guided tours
Greeting cards—send e-card to friend/loved one
Bus shelter—scan for bus schedule
Taxi stand—call to get taxi
Instruction manual—see video
Invoice—scan to view account history
Application—get free app
Window display—learn more about product